Member of Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development, Cllr Mpho Phalatse, undertook an awareness campaign at Park Station this morning to educate members of the public about the dangers of Listeriosis following the continued spread of the disease.

As of 16 January 2018, a total of 764 Listeriosis cases have been reported across the country, with 212 from Johannesburg. Nineteen deaths have been reported in Johannesburg as a result of the disease.

Accompanied by the City’s health officials, MMC Phalatse engaged and educated commuters, food vendors as well as shop owners and managers operating at Park Station on the steps that should be taken to prevent the spread of Listeriosis.

“It is important that we continue to educate and inform our communities about the dangers posed by Listeriosis. If we work together and be vigilant in our own spaces, we can stop the spread of Listeriosis and avoid unnecessary deaths. We are facing huge challenges as wrong information is spreading about Listeriosis. That is why it’s important that we continue the campaign,” said MMC Phalatse while distributing pamphlets about Listeriosis.

Listeriosis is a foodborne illness that is associated with eating a wide variety of food contaminated, including dairy products and produce, fresh vegetables and fruit, as well as ready-to-eat products.

Symptoms are usually mild and may include fever, muscle pain, restlessness and sometimes nausea or diarrhea. Residents are urged to keep food clean, separate raw and cooked food, cook thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures and use safe water and raw material to prevent the spread of Listeriosis.

MMC Phalatse said that as South Africa’s major transport hub, Park Station was the perfect place to reach the masses as it attracts thousands of commuters from across the province and the country. She said campaigns across the City’s seven regions will continue at key areas, including taxi ranks and clinics, to keep residents informed.

As commuters rushed to the various destinations, they asked Joburg Health workers about Listeriosis.

David Rakosa, who works in Braamfontein, said it was important to him to know more about Listeriosis as he dealt with food everyday. “As a chef, I need to know about Listeriosis as this will also benefit my clients.”